WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

Buyers of manufacturers, cleaning companies and auto shops meet WHMIS when they review the chemicals on site. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety explains that the federal Hazardous Products Act and Hazardous Products Regulations set the supplier requirements, and that Health Canada is responsible for the overall WHMIS supplier-related laws.

Two layers of rules

Section 13 of the Hazardous Products Act, subject to the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, says no supplier shall sell a hazardous product intended for use, handling or storage in a work place in Canada unless the section’s conditions on safety data sheets and labels are met; section 12 takes some products, such as manufactured articles and hazardous waste, outside that Part of the Act. CCOHS says suppliers and employers must use and follow the WHMIS requirements for labels and safety data sheets. The workplace side is separate: CCOHS says WHMIS is also regulated in the workplace by the provinces, territories and the federal government, for federally regulated workplaces, under their occupational health and safety legislation. So an employer’s duties come from the jurisdiction the workplace is in.

What to ask in a deal

• Current safety data sheets for the hazardous products on site.
• Whether containers are labelled as the applicable workplace safety law requires.
• Training records for workers who use or handle those products.
• See the manufacturing buyer checklist and occupational health and safety compliance.